International Bridge traffic has decreased by more than 60 per cent so far this year, the International Bridge Administration stated in a recent news release.
Crossings in July were down almost 92 per cent compared to July 2019.
The government of Canada imposed COVID-19 international travel restrictions March 21 and has since extended the order until at least Aug. 21.
Full text of a news release issued by the International Bridge Administration follows:
Traffic for the calendar year-to-date on July 31, 2020, is 276,881. This represents a year-to-date decrease of 63.9 per cent. The bridge has processed 102.96 million bridge crossings since 1962.
The International Bridge Administration today announced that one-way traffic crossings of the International Bridge at Sault Ste. Marie totalled 12,070 for the month of July 2020. This figure represents a decrease of 91.9 per cent, a difference of 135,943 crossings as compared to July 2019.
An analysis of traffic statistics for the month reveals the following:
The International Bridge self-funds with toll revenue all operational costs. Operational costs include the bridge structure, maintenance facilities, the Bridge Authority toll plaza, and building maintenance and support costs for the Canada Border Services Agency facility.